New Delhi: The cancellation of the fifth and final Test between India and England in Manchester due to fears of more Covid-19 cases has saddened many. The Covid-19 cases were reported from the Indian camp. Many former cricketers Friday described as ‘absolute shame’ and anticlimax to a ‘wonderful series’. A number of formers took to the social media to express their opinions. Here’s what they had to say.
However, many of them refused to blame India for the cancellation of the series. They reminded that England had done the same in South Africa. It should be stated here that India are currently leading 2-1 in the series. The BCCI and the ECB have said that the Test will now be played at a later date.
Here’s what the formers had to say on social media platforms. The BCCI also had its reaction to offer.
Shane Warne: This is such a shame – as it’s been a wonderful series!
Kevin Pietersen: England left the tour of SA for Covid scares & cost CSA plenty, so don’t go pointing fingers! Just remember what I said about where Test Cricket will be at in 2026…
Michael Vaughan: India have let English Cricket down!!! But England did let South African Cricket down!!!
Nasser Hussain: The bubble time they have done and everything that has been done to get this series on, it’s a real shame that it has to end on such a low note.
Mark Butcher: The IPL restarts September 19 in the UAE. Any further postponement of the Test pushed the Indian players beyond the start of the competition (IPL). Also, should any of the Indian players test positive in the meantime, they would have to further quarantine another 10 days in the UK before they are able to leave. There could be multiple reasons but it is absolute shame that the series has not been played out the way it was meant to.
Royal Challengers Bangalore: Health and safety of everyone involved is paramount and the right call has been made. We hope and pray that everybody is safe.
BCCI: The BCCI and ECB held several rounds of discussion to find a way to play the match. However, the outbreak of Covid-19 in the Indian team contingent forced the decision of calling off the Old Trafford Test.
